Chicago Winds...The Saga Continues

is the first first secular album from in over a decade. The singer not only returns to R&B but keeps his collaborative circle small. Produced and written almost exclusively by past associates and , it's a solid and consistent release that shows in top form, singing about relatable, common-man issues with the same level of conviction heard in his best work. No less than half of the songs can contend with the career highlights selected for his compilation, and though some longtime fans may miss the streetwise swagger of the earlier work, they can at least respect that has matured, remains an excellent singer, and isn't trying to be anyone but himself. Even on "Neverland," where the underappreciated grant him a , early-'80s synth-funk backdrop, is 100 percent his own artist. The album opens with the mature snap and boom of "Spend the Night" and concludes with a gleaming remix of the same song, courtesy of partner . Between them, the top highlights are "I'm Different," "Cold," "Wish You Well," and the title track, the last of which features piano and a string arrangement from . All of them are down to earth yet stellar. ~ Andy Kellman